Ectoparasites

This research aimed to study the efficacy of two different ivermectin-based drugs against ectoparasites of chickens. In total 1200 Highsex brown chickens aged 1-1.5 years were examined to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites among chickens. The diagnosis of ectoparasites in chickens was established using clinical and entomological methods. For studying drug efficacy, 20 chickens were selected and divided into two groups (experimental and control) of 10 birds each according to the principle of analogs. A prepared ivermectin-based drug consisting of active substance ivermectin and the auxiliary substances including jojoba Resplanta, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, Tween-80, benzyl alcohol, and purified water, was administered to the experimental group at a dose of 0.4 ml/L of drinking water (400 μg ivermectin per 1 kg of body weight) twice with a 24-hour interval. The treatment was repeated after 14 days. The control group was administered another drug based on ivermectin in the same dose and manner as the drug given in the experimental group. The efficacy of the drugs was determined by counting the number of ectoparasites per chicken before and after treatment. The clinical condition of the birds was monitored from day 1 to day 28 of the experiment. To evaluate the physiological state of chickens, blood and biochemical tests were performed on day 28 of the experiment. The results revealed that the prevalence of infection with Menacanthus stramineus, Menopon gallinae, and Dermanyssus gallinae in chickens was 34.5%, 21.5%, and 12%, respectively. The number of parasites/chicken after treatment between the experimental and the control group was significantly different. The efficacy of the drugs against ectoparasites in the experimental and control group was 95.6-99.0% and 85.1-91.1%, respectively. The blood tests showed that hematological and biochemical parameters were within physiological norms for both groups. Also, a pharmacokinetic study was performed on 18 ISA cross, 40-day-old chickens administered orally with the test drug at the same dose. The results revealed that ivermectin reached maximum concentration at 30-60 minutes after administration to the bird. After 1 hour, the concentration of the active substance of the drug in the blood serum of chickens decreased sharply and reached the limit of quantification by 12-24 hours. In conclusion, this drug can be recommended for use in poultry as an effective and safe drug for the treatment of arachnoentomosis in birds.

The ectoparasites upon which this report is based were collected as part of an ethnographic field research study conducted by Paul M. Taylor among the Tobelo-speaking peoples of Halmahera Island, Indonesia, from December 1980 to November 1981, sponsored locally by Khairun University, Indonesia. The study was carried out with the cooperation of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, and the Indonesian Nature Conservancy. Biological specimens were collected throughout the area inhabited by the Tobelo people in order to record local information on the native classification and uses of animals and plants and to provide material for zoological and botanical investigations such as the present study.
    New host and distribution records are given for some ectoparasites of the families Nycteribiidae, Streblidae, Ischnopsyllidae (Insecta), Argasidae, Laelapidae, Spinturnicidae and Trombicullidae (Acari) removed from eight species of bats collected on Halmahera.

This paper, based on a recent comprehensive sampling of insects, is the first report of Laboulbeniales from the New England region since the 1930s. We present 7 new records of laboulbenialean parasites on Staphylinidae (rove beetles) and Coccinellidae (lady beetles) from the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. These are Clonophoromyces nipponicus Terada & I.I. Tav., Hesperomyces virescens Thaxt., Ilyomyces cf. mairei F. Picard, Laboulbenia philonthi Thaxt., Peyritschiella protea Thaxt., Stichomyces conosomatis Thaxt., and Teratomyces actobii Thaxt. One of these parasite species, C. nipponicus, has not been found previously outside of its type locality in Japan. Examination of Roland Thaxter's 1891-1932 slides led to the designation of lectotypes for L. philonthi, P. protea, S. conosomatis, and T. actobii. The following synonymy is established: Teratomyces brevicaulis Thaxt. = T. actobii. In addition, we discovered new localities for H. virescens (from Canada, Cuba, Guatemala, and Japan) and L. philonthi (from

Laboulbeniales are obligate ectoparasitic ascomycetes occurring on Arthropoda, mostly insects. Since the 1950s almost no research on Laboulbeniales has been done in the Netherlands. This study presents a preliminary list of Laboulbeniales found on insects collected in De Kaaistoep. Thirteen species of Laboulbeniales were found on fourteen different insect hosts, nine of which are new to the Netherlands. One dipteran host is new to the entomofauna of the Netherlands.

A survey of ectoparasites was carried out during Eco-Zoonoses Expedition in Bukit Aup Jubilee Park (BAJP), Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo from 5 th to 9 th June 2008. A total of nine individuals comprising two species of rodents were captured. The species of rodents screened for ectoparasites were Sundamys muelleri and Callosciurus notatus. Four genera and six species of ectoparasites were collected, namely, Ixodes granulatus, Ixodes sp., Laelaps sedlaceki, Laelaps nuttalli, Hoplopleura dissicula and Listrophoroides sp. Three species of the ectoparasites are known to have potential health risk. The species were Ixodes granulatus, Laelaps nuttalli and Hoplopleura dissicula. This survey produced the first list of ectoparasites in Bukit Aup Jubilee Park, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Parasitological problems can affect goats' productivity, skin quality and be of zoonotic importance. This study was to determine the prevalence of ectoparasite and endoparasites of goats in Port Harcourt. A total of 150 animals were examined from four different locations. Ectoparasites were detected by brushing and examining with naked eyes, hand lens, and under the microscope. Endoparasites were detected by standard parasitological technique. Results indicate that ectoparasites were higher (61.3%) in goats than endoparasites (38.6%). Based on location, ectoparasites prevalence was higher in Uniport Agric farm (30.4%), this was followed by Mile 3 with (25.1%) while Rumuosi and Alakahia had 22.8% and 21.6% respectively. Endoparasites were higher (33.2%) at Uniport Agric farm followed by Mile 3, (24.6%) then Rumuosi and Alakahia had (22.6%) and (19.5%) respectively. Ectoparasites identified were Caliseta species (38.1%), Demodex species (20.6%) while Ixodes species, Damalimia species, and Ctemacephalides species had (16.9%), (14.0%) and (10.3%). Endoparasites identified were Nimatodirus (41.0%), Trichuris species (23.8%), Moneiza species (22.3%), and Ascaris species (12.85). In conclusion, the prevalence of ectoparasites and endoparasites in Port Harcourt is relatively high. An awareness campaign about the importance and control of these parasites is recommended to forestall the risks of zoonosis.

The cat fur mite, Lynxacarus radovskyi Tenorio, 1974 (Acarina: Astigmata: Listrophoridae) is reported from cats, Felis catus from three sites in peninsular Malaysia. The first site is a Malay village, Kampong Menteri in Taiping, Perak, where the mites were found on local pet cats. The other two sites are urban cities of Kuala Lumpur, in the Federal Territory and Georgetown, in the island of Penang. Mites from the urban areas were collected from stray cats. Although several ectoparasites (fleas, mites, ticks and lice) have been previously reported, L. radovskyi is recorded herein for the first time on cats from peninsular Malaysia.

This study was undertaken to detect the prevalance of ectoparasites and their species of wild rabbit in Elazig, betweenthe dates of October 1999 March 2000. In this study, 38 wild rabbits were examined. 38 of examined rabbits, 27 (71.05 %) were found 5 species ectoparasites. These species were identified as follows: 33.33 % Cheyletiella parasitivorax, 25.93 % Rhipicephalus bursa (nymph), 22.22 %, Haemaphysalis otophila
(nymph), 3.70 % Trombicula autumnalis (larva), 14.82 % Ctenocephalides canis
,respectively. Twentythree acar and four fleas were counted from infested rabbit, totaling twentyseven ectoparasites.

RÉSUMÉ Les parasites externes, ou ectoparasites, partagent avec leurs hôtes une longue histoire coévolutive. Enfouis dans les sédiments ou encore fixés aux poils de quelques momies animales, certains ont pu se conserver jusqu'à nous. Leur étude, qui s'inscrit conjointement dans les domaines de l'archéoentomologie et de l'archéoparasitologie, nous renseigne sur l'origine et la diffusion de ces insectes et arachnides parasites, mais également sur le rôle fondamental que ces derniers ont pu jouer dans la transmission de germes pathogènes. ABSTRACT Amphitryon-animals: Archaeology of ectoparasitism. External parasites, or ectoparasites, share a long co-evolutionary history with their hosts. Buried in sediments or still attached to the fur of some mummified animals, some of them have been preserved up to our days. Their study, forming part both of archaeoentomology and archaeoparasitology disciplines, provides relevant information about the origin and spread of these parasitic insects and arachnids as well as on the key role they have played in the transmission of microbial pathogens.

Current research on human louse biology has focused on the longstanding debate about speciation of head and body lice but using new tools of DNA and enzyme analysis. These studies have indicated that head and body lice from the same geographical zone may be more closely allied than insects inhabiting the same ecological niche in other regions. However, the majority of research over the past decade has involved clinical aspects including transmission, treatment, and the appearance and identification of resistant strains within populations of lice. Despite advances, there is a need for a better understanding of louse biology, as existing therapies fail and lice remain potential vectors of disease for millons of people.

Biodiversity and prevalence of chewing lice on local poultry (Gallus Gallus Domesticus, family Phasianidae) have been successfully determined for five selected sites around Qaser Bin Ghashir region, Libya between November 2017 and April 2018. The total investigated chicken samples are 135, and the infected samples were found to be 94. Ticks, fleas, and mites were detected in a small quantity in addition to three different species of biting lice. The obtained results show that Asuani has the lowest amount of ectoparasites, while Suq AL-kamees samples were infected completely by 100 % prevalence of chewing lice. The calculated total average prevalence percentage (TAP, %) of all sites are ≤ 70 %. Three species of lice were detected and identified on the local poultry, Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus, and Lipeurus caponis. The most abundant species in the study area is Menopon gallinae with prevalence percentage about ≈ 69.84 %. A comparison between chewing lice around Qaser Bin Ghashir region in Libya and other countries has been carried out and it was found that (TAP, %) for Algeria > (TAP, %) for Libya > (TAP, %) for USA. Finally, the study proves that Libya contains a mild status of biodiversity.

The study of the dispersal mechanisms of organisms is key to understanding their ecology and diversity. The dispersal of parasites is usually mediated by their host. Cimicidae (Heteroptera) is a family of haematophagous ectoparasites for whom bats are the most common and original host. Cimicids spend most of their time in the bat roost, usually only attaching themselves to the body of their host to feed. Distances between bat roosts are too great for the bugs to cross so their transmissions between them are exclusively passive. In our study we present records of bugs found on bats outside roosts. Since adult bugs are more likely to start a new infestation, their high prevalence among these records suggests that the bugs intentionally remain attached to their host in order to disperse, rather than accidentally leaving the roost while feeding. The vast majority of the records come from the genus Nyctalus and some from the genus Pipistrellus, whilst only single findings come from other species. It is possible that this disproportion is caused by the different behaviour of bugs on different bat species. The frequency of transmissions of cimicids by particular bat species correlate with the extent of the migratory behaviour of the bats. However, it is also possible that it is caused by an unequal opportunity to fly out attached to the bat due to the different roosting ecology and behaviour of the bat species.

ABSTRACK The objective of the present study was to examine the intensity and prevalence of ectoparasites on banana shrimp (Penaeus sp.) harvested from aquaculture ponds along western coast of Aceh Province, Indonesia. The study was conducted from March to May 2016 at 4 locations namely: Cot Jeumpa, Aceh Besar District; Kuala Unga, Aceh Jaya District; Kuala Tadu, Nagan Raya District and Kuala Batee, Aceh Barat Daya District. The samples were analyzed for ectoparasite at Quarantine Laboratory of Fish, Quality Control and Safety of The Fishing Yield, Aceh Besar. A total of 140 shrimpswere collected during the study (35 shrimps every location). The results showed that there were three species of ectoparasite were recorded during the study; Zoothamnium sp., Vorticella sp., Epistylis sp. While, Zoothamnium sp. has the highest intensity and prevalence with the values of 20 ind/shrimp and 36%, respectively. According to sampling location, the highest intensity and prevalence were found in Cot Jeumpa, Aceh Besar and Kuala Tadu, Nagan Raya, while the lower intensity and prevalence were recorded in Kuala Batee, Aceh Barat Daya and Kuala Unga, Aceh Jaya. In addition, the ectoparasites were mostly found at pleopoda and pereopoda organs. It is concluded that there are three spesies of ectoparasites that infected Penaeus sp. with a the highes intensity and prevalence were Zoothamnium sp..

Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Juli sampai bulan September tahun 2020. Lokasi yang dijadikan tempat pengambilan data terdiri dari beberapa titik badan air di Sleman. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu mendapatkan data jenis dan distribusi ektoparasit (tungau air) pada capung di Sleman, mengetahui jenis capung yang terinfeksi, serta mengetahui karakteristik habitat capung yang terinfeksi. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah teknik purposive sampling dan pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode titik hitung (point count). Hasil yang didapatkan adalah capung-jarum genus Agriocnemis menjadi inang dari tungau air genus Arrenurus. Penemuan tungau air pada capung tersebut tercatat di Inlet Embung Tambakboyo, Sleman. Tungau air ditemukan menempel pada bagian ventral dan lateral toraks dengan jumlah antara 1-4 individu pada setiap capung. Tidak ditemukan adanya infeksi tungau air pada capung di tempat sampling lain. Inlet Embung Tambakboyo memiliki karakteristik berupa perairan yang tenang dan terdapat genangan air berlumpur yang ditumbuhi rumput di tepian badan air utama. Lokasi terpapar terik matahari sepanjang hari dengan intensitas cahaya matahari berkisar antara 1.500 – 2.500 cd, kelembaban udara berkisar antara 55-65 RH, suhu udara berkisar pada 28°C dengan suhu air 26 °C. pH air pada lokasi ini yaitu 6, sementara kekeruhan air berkisar antara 3-7 NTU.

Seasonality of climate promotes differences in abundance and species composition of parasites, affecting host-parasite interactions. Studies have reported seasonal variation in bat-flies, which are obligate bat ectoparasites. We characterized the bat-fly load of three insectivores [Pteronotus davyi (Gray), Pteronotus parnellii (Gray) and Pteronotus personatus (Wagner)] and one nectarivorous [Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (Martínez and Villa-R.)] bat species in a tropical dry forest to test the existence of sea-sonality in response to the availability of resources during the wet and dry seasons. We collected 3710 bat-fly specimens belonging to six species and two genera from 497 bats. Most of the ectoparasite load parameters examined (mean abundance, mean intensity, richness, etc.), including comparisons among reproductive conditions and sex of the host, were similar in both seasons. Prevalence was the parameter that varied the most between seasons. The six bat-fly species were found in all bat species except P. personatus. The latter species and L. yerbabuenae had four and five bat-fly species in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. This study provides significant information of ectoparasites ecology in relation to seasonality, contributes to the understanding of host-parasite relationships in tropical dry forests and discusses the relevance of the abiotic and biotic factors that could impact host-parasite interactions.

Résumé
Cet article traite de l’apport de l’anthropologie biologique à la connaissance de l’impact des poux, des puces et des punaises sur les populations du passé. Des ectoparasites anciens peuvent être découverts sur des momies. Ils peuvent aussi laisser des séquelles sur la peau et même sur l’os. Les ectoparasites sont par ailleurs des vecteurs de maladies épidémiques comme le typhus, la peste et la maladie de Chagas. Ces dernières peuvent être détectées soit macroscopiquement sur des restes momifiés soit grâce aux techniques de la biologie moléculaire sur des restes momifiés ou squelettisés, prouvant ainsi de manière indirecte la présence de ces parasites. Enfin, les méthodes appliquées pour lutter contre les ectoparasites (rasage, entomophagie après épouillage et application d’insecticides) peuvent être mis en évidence par l’étude des vestiges humains.

Summary
This paper is the contribution from biological anthropology to the impact of lice, fleas and bugs on past populations. Ancient ectoparasites are sometimes discovered on mummies. They also can leave lesions on the skin and even the bones. Moreover, ectoparasites are vectors of epidemic diseases such as typhus, plague and Chagas’ disease. These diseases can be detected macroscopically on mummified remains or by the use of molecular biology technologies on mummified or skeletonised remains, which indirectly reveals the presence of the parasites. The methods applied to fight against ectoparasites (shaving, entomophagy following de-lousing and insecticide application) are also demonstrated from the study of ancient human remains.

A Biota Neotropica é uma revista eletrônica e está integral e gratuitamente disponível no endereço http://www.biotaneotropica.org.br Biota Neotropica is an electronic, peer-reviewed journal edited by the Program BIOTA/FAPESP: The Virtual Institute of Biodiversity. This journal's aim is to disseminate the results of original research work, associated or not to the program, concerned with characterization, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity within the Neotropical region. Biota Neotropica é uma revista do Programa BIOTA/FAPESP -O Instituto Virtual da Biodiversidade, que publica resultados de pesquisa original, vinculada ou não ao programa, que abordem a temática caracterização, conservação e uso sustentável da biodiversidade na região Neotropical. Abstract: This study provides an update on the ectoparasites (ticks and leeches) associated with Rhinoclemmys annulata and provides new accounts on the ectoparasites associated with R. nasuta, R. melanosterna and Kinosternon leucostomum from the Pacific coast of Colombia. The presence of Amblyomma sabanerae on R. nasuta and R. melanosterna provided two new host records for the tick species. Also, the documentation of A. sabanerae from the Department of Valle del Cauca represents a new department record for the species in Colombia. Placobdella ringueleti was identified from R. nasuta and K. leucostomum, which represents a new host record for the leech species, as well as a significant extension of the known range. asociados a tortugas en la costa pacífica de Colombia. Biota Neotrop. 13(3): http://www.biotaneotropica.org.br/v13n3/pt/ abstract?article+bn01313032013 ISSN 1676-0603

This study was carried out in Elazig and its surrounding areas between 1996-1997. Among the ticks collected between March-August, those with Rhipicephalus bursa
were detected and examined for their developments in vitro condition. Themaintenance and all development stages seen during the evolution period of R. bursa were followed in an oven set to 26 oC with a humidite rate of 85-90 %. In this environment, it has been determined the preoviposition periods of R. bursa as 3-10 days, oviposition period as 6-13 days, egg hatching time (incubation period) as 20-23 days, coming up time of the hatched egg as 7 days, larva’s survival period as 210 days, skin change period of the saturated nymph as 6-8 and the survival periodsof the starved imago following the shin change as 90-120 days. The nourishment phases of the tick lasted on a lamb and rabbit in June. The larva inserted into the rabbit ear were observed to start blood sucking within 2-3 days, complete larva and nymph phases between 17-25 days ticks and leave the host after ward. The starved imagos, allowed nourishment in the lamb’sear, were found to become saturated and leave the host within 8-10 days.

This research was conducted from July to September 2020. The locations used for data collection consisted of several points of water bodies in Sleman. The purpose of this study are to obtain data of the types and distribution of ectoparasites (water mites) in Odonates in Sleman, to determine the types of dragonflies infected, and to determine the habitat characteristics of the infected dragonflies. The method used in this research is purposive sampling technique and sampling is done by using the point count method. The results obtained are that Agriocnemis genus became the host of the water mite of the genus Arrenurus. The discovery of water mites on Odonates was recorded at the inflow of Tambakboyo Dam Sleman. Water mites are found attached to the ventral and lateral parts of the thorax with a number of 1-4 individuals on each damselfly. No water mite infections were found in Odonates at other sampling sites. The inflow of Tambakboyo Dam is characterized by stagnant waters and muddy puddles overgrown with grass on the banks of the main water body. The location is exposed to the hot sun throughout the day with sunlight intensity ranging from 1,500 - 2,500 cd, humidity ranges from 55-65 RH, air temperature ranges at 28°C with water temperatures approximately 26°C. The pH of the water was 6, while the water turbidity ranges from 3-7 NTU.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the morphometric variation of laelapine populations (Acari, Mesostigmata) associated with neotropical oryzomyine rodents at different geographic localities in Brazil. Three nominal mite species were selected for study, all infesting the pelage of small mammals at different localities in Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, Bahia, and the Federal District, Brazil. To analyse morphometric characteristics, thirty-seven morphological characters distributed across the whole body of each specimen were measured. We use the Analysis of Principal Components, extracting the three first axes and projecting each mite in these axes. Major species level changes in the taxonomy of the host mammals allows an independent examination of morphometric variation of mites infesting a set of distinctly different host species at different geographic localities. Gigantolaelaps vitzthumi and Laelaps differens are associated with oryzomyine rodents of the genus Cerradomys, and consistently showed a tendency to cluster by host phylogeny. Laelaps manguinhosi associated with Nectomys rattus in central Brazil is morphometrically distinct from mites infesting N. squamipes in the coastal restingas of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo. The results obtained here indicate that laelapine mite populations can vary among geographic areas and among phylogenetically related host species. Clearly, the study of these mites at the population level can be an important tool for clarifying the taxonomy of both mites and hosts.

Stray cats collected from Georgetown, Penang from 2008 to 2010 were screened for ectoparasites via fine-tooth combing. Two cats from a total 102 examined were infested with the dog louse, Heterodoxus spiniger. Both cats, a juvenile male and female were found in close contact with each other prior to capture. The number of lice ranged from 5 and 14 in the male and female cat respectively. Other ectoparasites recovered included the common cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, one louse species Felicola subrostratus, one tick species Haemaphysalis bispinosa and one mite species of Listrophoridae. The present study reports for the first time the finding of H. spiniger on cats from peninsular Malaysia.

A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF PARASITIC INFECTIONS OF FRESHWATER EEL (Monopterus albus) FROM PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Mohd Ihwan Zakariah*, M.D. Muhamad-Zaim, S.H. Nor-Azri, W. Wahidah and Marina Hassan

Institute of Tropical Aquaculture, Universiti Malaysia terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia

Email: [email protected]

Monopterus albus which known as Asian or swamp eel are commonly found in paddy field, which is the natural habitat. They prays on variety meal like small fishes, frogs, crayfish and worms. There were several reports of declining freshwater eels from the natural water bodies due to several reasons such as parasitic diseases. However, there were limited study on parasites infestation on swamp eels in Malaysia. Thus, the documentation of the parasites in our environment is important. We were examined the swamp eels from few locations in Peninsular Malaysia. In this study, we found  a few parasites such as blood parasite (Trypanosoma sp), digenea, cestode larvae and nematode larvae. The cestode larvae (30.5%) was significantly high prevalence compared to digenea (12.3%) and nematode larvae (7.8%). Mean intensity of cestoda larvae (8.08) were higher compared to digenea (5.52) and nematoda larvae (1.50). This data were useful to document the parasites in our environment to help our aquaculture in the future.

Context: Ivermectin (IVM) and fluazuron are present as novel combinations to control ticks. Differences in formulations account for changes to the plasma kinetics and could change exposure of target parasites to active drugs. Aims: To evaluate bioequivalence for ivermectin administered by two novel formulations combined with fluazuron. Methods: Twelve male Holstein calves were randomized into two groups (n=6), receiving a single subcutaneous dose of a novel formulation (A or B) of ivermectin combined with fluazuron (ivermectin 1% 0.2 mg/kg + fluazuron 12.5% 2.5 mg/kg). Blood samples were taken until 34 days after dosing. Non-compartmental analysis was applied for bioequivalence assessment. Compartmental analysis was carried out and model acceptance was validated using the visual predictive check graphics. Results: Noncompartmental analysis shows that both formulations behaved similarly with Cmax ratio of 0.982 (CI90: 0.861-1.12, ANOVA test, p=0.814) and AUC0-t ratio of 1.01 (CI90: 0.97-1.05, ANOVA, p=0.586) but at different Tmax (1.4 ± 0.5 and 2.9 ± 1.2 days (Mann-Whitney U test, p=0.027) for A and B, respectively). The pharmacokinetic model has two compartments, linear elimination with first order absorption and formulation as covariable for the absorption rate. Conclusions: We conclude that the two novel formulations combined of IVM 1% with fluazuron 12.5%, are bioequivalent for administration of IVM in cattle. This shows that carrying out bioequivalence studies are of great importance for understanding the potential interchangeability between formulations available in the pharmaceutical market.

Background and Aim: Arthropod ectoparasites (mites, lice, ticks, and fleas) on common house rats or brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) are known to transmit zoonotic pathogens and diminish rat health. To the best of our knowledge, there is no published information regarding the prevalence of ectoparasites on R. norvegicus in Grenada. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of ectoparasites present on brown rats from Grenada.

Materials and Methods: One hundred sixty-eight rats were collected live from the parishes of St. George and St. David, Grenada, from May to July 2017. Following euthanasia, external parasites were collected using fine combs, thumb forceps, and paper tape. Tape samples and free specimens were placed in containers with 70% ethanol. External parasites were evaluated using dissection microscopy.

Results: Over 2000 ectoparasites were collected from 149 of the 168 trapped rats (88.7%). Ectoparasites identified included mesostigmatid mites (found on 84.6% of infested rats), fur mites in the families Atopomelidae and Listrophoridae (67.1%), Polyplax spp. lice (6.7%), fleas (3.4%), an unidentified larval tick (0.7%), and a mite in the family Myobiidae (0.7%). Infestation rates were higher in St. David Parish (86/89; 96.6%) than in St. George Parish (63/79; 79.7%) (p=0.001). When comparing sex and age, males had a marginal increase in infestation rate (83/89; 93.3%) compared to females (66/79; 83.5%) (p=0.054), and adults had an infestation rate of 90.7% (97/107) compared to juvenile rats who had a 66.7% (14/21) infestation rate.

Conclusion: Brown rats in Grenada are heavily infested with ectoparasites, including known vectors of pathogens. Future studies will examine the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens in these arthropods.

Bat ectoparasitic flies are highly specialized hematophagous insects exclusive to Chiroptera. Between November 2014 and August 2016, we surveyed these ectoparasites in urban and protected areas in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. We recorded 15 fly species in 10 genera in the families Streblidae (13) and Nycteribiidae (2). Twelve species and 5 genera represent first records for the state. Basilia anceps and Noctiliostrebla sp., are new records for the northeastern region of Brazil. Fly specimens were collected on 8 species of bats, mainly phyllostomids, and ~87% were monoxenous. Our survey increased the number of known bat ectoparasitic flies in the state from 10 to 22 species, from 5 to 10 genera, and from 31 to 34 known species in the northeastern portion of the Atlantic Forest.

We studied the parasitism by larvae of the chigger mite Eutrombicula alfreddugesi on the lizard community of the Restinga da Barra de Maricá, Rio de Janeiro state, Southeast Bra-zil. The effect of the scalation pattern, body size of the lizard species and the environmental factors such as temperature and rainfaU in the area was related to the intensity of infestation by the chigger mite. We studied five lizards species: Tropidurus torquatus, Mabuya agilis, M macrorhyncha, Cnemidophorus cf. littoralis and Ameiva ameiva. Lizards were monthly coUected, checked for the presence of mites, which were counted under steromicroscope. We tested the relationship between the intensity of infestation, and lizard body size for each species using regression analysis. The mean intensity of infestation (::I:: SD) and prevalence of the chigger mite on the hosts were respectively: 164.9 ::I:: 161.9 and 97.7% in L torquatus (n = 146); 110.1::1:: 115.8 and 96.1% in M. agilis (n = 26); 42.4::1:: 50.3 and 94.0% in M macrorhyncha (n = 78); 8.3 ::I:: 10.2 and 72.0% in C. cf. littoralis (n = 100), and 1.0 and 5.0% in A. ameiva (n = 42). Only for L torquatus body size inf1uenced significantly the intensity of infestation (r = 0.49; p < 0.001). Environmental factors such as temperature and rainfaU in the area did not affect the intensity of infestation of any of the lizard species in the community suggesting that the chigger mite may reproduce continuously in the area along the year, independent of variation in the environmental factors. The pattern of scalation of the lizard species seemed to affect the intensity of infestation by the chigger mite by increasing in some cases the protection of the chigger mite from external factors and by providing additional sites to the chigger mite to adhere to the lizard skin. We conclude that temperature and rainfaU do not affect significantly the rate at which the lizard species are infested and that the scalation pattern of lizards seems to be an important factor affecting the rate of infestation by the chigger mite Eutrombicula alfreddugesi.

Se dan a conocer por primera vez los ectoparásitos (Ácari, Siphonaptera, y Phthiraptera) de especies poco comunes que fueron colectadas en el PN AMNI Cotapata entre el 2007 y 2008. Las especies en cuestión incluyen Rhagomys longilingua Luna & Patterson, 2003, Gracilinanus aceramarcae Tate, 1931 y Oxymycterus nigrifrons Osgood, 1944. Para Rhagomys longilingua se identificaron piojos (Phthiraptera: Hoplopleuridae), Hoplopleura sp3 y Mysolaelaps microspinosus Fonseca, 1936; pulgas Siphonaptera, una del género Adoratopsilla. Si bien se capturó sólo un ejemplar de este hospedero, ésta también resulta ser una nueva asociación no reportada para la región y para el país. En el caso de Gracilinanus aceramarcae, del que también se cuenta con solo un ejemplar, se registra por primera vez la asociación de esta especie con el ácaro laelápido Androlaelaps farenholzi Berlese, 1911, también se registró Laelapidae sp3. Para Oxymycterus nigrifrons (con un N=2) se reportan también por primera vez dos especies de piojos Phthiraptera, familia Hoplopleuridae, Hoplopleura sp3 y Hoplopleura sp4 y dos ácaros laelápidos Androlaelaps sp4 y Laelapidae sp27. Todos estos parásitos son nuevos registros para estos hospederos, no solo para el país sino también para la región, ya que no se encontraron dichos registros en la literatura de países vecinos.

A cross sectional study was conducted from Nov. 2008 to April 2009 to identify and estimate prevalence of ectoparisites of poultry in intensive and backyard chicken farm at Wolayta Soddo town southern nation nationalities and peoples region of Ethiopia. Three hundred eighty four chickens were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Ectoparasites were collected from different parts of the body including skin scraping from shank. Concomitantly age, sex as well as other risk factors recorded. The study result showed that four genus (lice, flea, mite and tick) and six species of ectoparasites recovered in back yard and none in intensive production system. The prevalence of external parasite infestation in backyard production system were 88% lice, 16.5% flea, 8.1% mite and 9.2% tick. Menopon gallinae 49 (139/284) the most prevalent ectoparasite species followed by Cuclotogaster heterographus 40%(115/284) while Cnemidocoptes mutans 8.1%(23/284) was the least identified. The f...

A survey of ectoparasites was carried out during Eco-Zoonoses Expedition in Bukit Aup Jubilee Park (BAJP), Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo from 5 th to 9 th June 2008. A total of nine individuals comprising two species of rodents were captured. The species of rodents screened for ectoparasites were Sundamys muelleri and Callosciurus notatus. Four genera and six species of ectoparasites were collected, namely, Ixodes granulatus, Ixodes sp., Laelaps sedlaceki, Laelaps nuttalli, Hoplopleura dissicula and Listrophoroides sp. Three species of the ectoparasites are known to have potential health risk. The species were Ixodes granulatus, Laelaps nuttalli and Hoplopleura dissicula. This survey produced the first list of ectoparasites in Bukit Aup Jubilee Park, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Ticks (Arachnida: Acari) are vectors for pathogens and the biggest threat to animal health. Many Australian ticks are associated with pathogens that impact humans, domestic animals and livestock. However, little is known about the presence or impact of tick-borne pathogens in native Australian wildlife. Wombats are particularly susceptible to the effects of the ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei which causes sarcoptic mange, the reason for which is unknown. Factors such as other ectoparasites and their associated pathogens may play a role. A critical understanding of the species of ectoparasites that parasitise wombats and their pathogens, and particularly ticks, is therefore warranted. This review describes the ectoparasites of wombats, pathogens known to be associated with those ectoparasites, and related literature gaps. Pathogens have been isolated in most tick species that typically feed on wombats; however, there are minimal molecular studies to determine the presence of pathogens in any other wombat ectoparasites. The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies allows us to explore entire microbial communities in ectoparasite samples, allowing fast and accurate identification of potential pathogens in many samples at once. These new techniques have highlighted the diversity and uniqueness of native ticks and their microbiomes, including pathogens of potential medical and veterinary importance. An increased understanding of all ectoparasites that parasitise wombats, and their associated pathogens, requires further investigation.

ABSTRACT
Objectives. To relate the effect of biotic and abiotic factors on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick loads on cows grazing either in intensive silvopastoral systems (ISS) (Lucerna) or in grass pastures associated with sugarcane plantations (La Isabela). Materials and methods. Tick counts were performed on 27 Lucerne breed animals that were in different physiological states, six of which were grazing on forage grass paddocks associated with commercial sugarcane plantations and the remaining animals grazed in an ISS based on Leucaena leucocephala and Cynodon plectostachyus. The tick counts were made every 15 days. The data of temperature, humidity, and radiation were taken from a weather station that was inside the ISS. Results. There was a weak relationship between saturation deficit and tick load (R 2 =0.34) and another between UV radiation and tick load (R 2 =0.205) for animals grazing in ISS. There were differences in tick counts when comparing animals of similar productivity from both systems evaluated: in La Isabela (sugarcane grass paddocks) average counts were 311 ticks perceptible to the touch (TPT) and in Lucerna (ISS farm) average counts were 206 TPT (p= 0.02). Additionally, there were greater tick counts in high productivity cows compared to low productivity cows. Conclusions. The abiotic and biotic factors of the ecosystem and animal productivity can affect the TPT counts. In ISS systems, tick counts can be lower than those observed in monoculture grazing systems.

Confirmed are 4 species of bat flies out of 6 known by published records for the Balearic Archipelago: Nycteribia pedicularia (Mallorca, 1st record for Menorca), N. schmidlii
(Mallorca, Menorca), N. vexata (Mallorca), and Penicillidia dufourii (Mallorca, 1st record for Menorca). The two species not confirmed for the Balearic Islands (Basilia mediterranea, Penicillidia conspicua) are revised and included to complete a checklist
of Nycteribiidae for this archipelago. Streblidae has never been found in this area.

Background and Aim: Rodents are ubiquitous animals that host ectoparasites and transmit zoonotic diseases. We conducted a cross-sectional study on the seasonal variation, period prevalence (Pp), and relative risk of ectoparasitic infestations in rodents collected in North Sinai, Egypt, from September 2019 to August 2020.

Materials and Methods: We captured 380 rodents during the study period. Rodents were euthanized to perform species identification, and 2930 external parasites were collected and identified using light microscopic examination with systemic keys depending on morphological characters.

Results: Rattus norvegicus (brown rat), Rattus rattus frugivorus (white-bellied rat), Rattus rattus alexandrines (gray-bellied rat), and Mus musculus domesticus (house mouse) were captured at the highest frequencies during summer (n=186), followed by spring (n=84), fall (n=71), and winter (n=39), with a higher proportion of males captured in all seasons. Analysis of the infestation Pp revealed highly significant increases (p<0.01) in ectoparasites during the winter. Temperature, humidity, and dew point were significantly (p<0.01) correlated with the numbers of captured and infested rodents. Parasitological examinations showed the higher risks of flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea, Xenopsylla cheopis, and Leptopsylla segnis) and lice (Hoplopleura hirsuta, Hoplopleura ocanthopus, Hoplopleura oenomydis, and Polyplax spinulosa) infestations during winter and mite (Laelaps nuttalli, Dermanyssus gallinae, Ornithonyssus bacoti, and Myobia musculi) infestations during summer.

Conclusion: We conclude that ectoparasitic infestation prevalence and risk varies with predominating macroclimatic conditions. Strict preventive and biosecurity measures should be applied to combat rodent-related problems.

The current study describes the chewing lice community associated with seabird populations resident at the São Pedro and São Paulo Archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean in Pernambuco State, Brazil. Adults of three species of seabirds were captured using hand-nets for the collection of biometric data and specimens of ectoparasites. In total, 320 birds were examined (120 Sula leucogaster (Boddaert), Brown Booby; 120 Anous stolidus (L.), - Brown Noddy; and 80 Anous minutus Boie, Black Noddy) of which 95% were infested with 8,625 chewing lice, representing eight species of the genera Actornithophilus, Austromenopon, Eidmanniella, Pectinopygus, Quadraceps, and Saemundssonia. On S. leucogaster, Pectinopygus garbei (Pessôa & Guimarães) was more prevalent and had a mean and median intensity of infestation significantly greater than those recorded for Eidmanniella albescens (Piaget). On the two Noddies, the species of Actornithophilus and Quadraceps were significantly more prevalent and abundant than Austromenopon atrofulvum (Piaget) and Saemundssonia remota Timmermann. Most of the louse species had a highly aggregated distribution, with k exponent of the negative binomial distribution ranging from 0.04 to 3.06. A weak but significant correlation was found between the abundance of chewing lice and morphometric variables (body weight, wing, beak, tail, and tarsus lengths). It is possible that high rates of infestation have a negative effect on the morphological characteristics of the hosts, including the health of the plumage. All the lice species collected -except for P. garbei (ex S. leucogaster)- were reported for the first time from Brazilian populations of these seabird species.